Tratamiento de la insuficiencia respiratoria crónica. Oxigenoterapia

Respiratory failure is a result of inadequate gaseous exchange, with reduced arterial oxygen pressure with or without increased arterial carbon-dioxide pressure. The condition is defined as chronic (CRF) when compensatory or adaptive mechanisms come into force, which are absent in acute respiratory failure. Therefore, there is no defined period to mark the difference between acute and chronic. Correctly diagnosing the causative mechanism will help to establish the optimal treatment. There are three basic aspects for optimal treatment: general measurements, treatment of the baseline disease and the complications, and treatment of the gasometric alterations that define CRF. Oxygen therapy is the basic treatment for CRF, and mechanical ventilation can be added in cases with hypoventilation. The prognosis of these patients depends on the outcome and progression of the baseline disease that is causing the CRF, and is poorer when the CRF is global.